The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is going to publish the new central contract list, and there may be a lot of new player moves in the ranking. Some of the seniors might opt out of T20Is, but still, the list may see new inclusions.

Senior Players Retain A+ Grade:

In spite of their saying farewell, Rohit Sharma, who is captain of the Indian national cricket team, all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, and the most famous Indian batsman, Virat Kohli, are three expected players to be still playing in the A+ group of the BCCI contract. Their continuation at the top end is one of the reasons they are the best in Test and ODI formats.

Also read: RR vs KKR – Weather & Pitch report

Promotions and Demotions in the Contract List:

• Players who have performed impressively for the last few months, probably up from Grade B to Grade A, Axel Patel and Yashe Matthewius.
• The contract is going to be taken away from R. Ashwin. The purpose is to involve young players in the Indian team.
• For his brilliant play at the international level, the middle-order batter Shreyas Iyer might be offered a contract.
• On the other hand, the ceetion of the central contract for wicketkeeper-batsman Aishwarya Kishan cannot be made due to a lack of international games being played by her.

BCCI central contract updates 🚨

🔹 Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja to stay in A+ BCCI contract despite retiring from T20Is.

🔹 Shreyas Iyer likely to get a BCCI contract ✅

🔻 Ishan Kishan could miss out again ❌

(Via- PTI) pic.twitter.com/MwDuYJjoVM

— CricXtasy (@CricXtasy) March 25, 2025

New Players Set for Their First BCCI Contract:
A new batch of youngsters, Akash Deep, Sarfaraz Khan, and Nikin Jose (NKR), have chances to be rewarded with their first BCCI central dissolving process. Their perfect track record at home and their play record on India's A team have made them a potential list member.

Also read:PBKS VS GT IPL Match Live Streaming: Where & How to Watch on the tv and online mobile

Final Announcement Awaited

The awaited official announcement by BCCI is expected to shed some light on the course of Indian cricket. Already the indication of the young bloods inclusion and the shows of the old hands, the exit signifies a new approach to the national cricket team that is exploring its future international competitors with new horizons.

With IPL 2025 going on, the issue of whether or not MS Dhoni will retire after this season has become a popular issue. Lately, Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin was asked about Dhoni's future during a chat on the YouTube persian Ash ki Baat. His reaction has raised debates again among fans and analysts.  

Ravichandran Ashwin, who has been active in both the Indian and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) teams when Dhoni was a captain, was asked the question of whether "2025 will be the last IPL season for the legendary wicketkeeper". His actual response, as seen from a viral clip, but it is a fact that the issue of Dhoni's retirement continues to pose a question, and the matter remains uncertain.  

Also Read: Sunrisers Hyderabad Rewrite IPL History: Becomes Second-Highest Total as SRH Dominates Top 3 Spots

Ever since the beginning of IPL, MS Dhoni has been the identity of CSK. Rather than being the manager of the team, he is the leader who has helped the team to win many championships, even when they have faced plenty of losses. Subsequently, it is highly unlikely that his contributions will disappear from the team, particularly at the time of commencement.  

Ashwin when asked about whether this is MS Dhoni’s last IPL season.

Source: Ash ki baat (YT channel)#IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/O8l0I56JAs

— Vibhor (@Vibhor4CSK) March 23, 2025

Also Read: Ishan Kishan Injured While Fielding in SRH vs RR Match

In the last season, besides fitness issues, Dhoni complemented his styles as the final and the mentor. His prowess in the crucial situation of the game along with his guidance of the younger players shows he is a priceless asset.  

Dhoni has often been expressive about his intention to retire in front of CSK's own fans, although no official declaration has been issued by him in that regard. Fans are still waiting for the green light, but Dhoni remains a person unwilling to divulge his decisions until the very last moment. As of that time, every piece of information and rumor had been vague, and the latter would remain until a clear statement would be made.

Ashwin has been a starwalt spinner in his playing career though it for Team India or for IPL he has given his best of his efforts in every playing game, and been considered as more tactical and calculative personalities of the game. Ashwin started his career with IPL in its beginning stages itself who was picked by Chennai Super Kings for his base price of 20 Lakhs. He was integral part of the team till 2015 and was released by them after that. 

Though Ashwin had no regrets in releasing him though it gave him broader aapects of the game and even various teams willingly buyed him at good price and eventhough he captained few sides and gained various aspirations of the game. Though he was part of Indian team side too. Thats the type of caliber he possed around him. 

Read More : Top 5 Kolkata Knight Riders Players Who Can Be In Red Hot Form This IPL Season

Ashwin Best Of His Times

Ashwin had great credibility in ODI and Test Matches for India for so long, after 2019 world cup his presence in ODI became minimal and in test he was go through man for team India. Ashwin played 106 test matches for India, but his original plan was to retire in 100th test which was against England in Dharmshala but he decided to take on for fewer more matches. In recent event launched by CSK panel Ashwin disclosed he invited Ms Dhoni to be present but he couldn't able to make over. 

Its always been a desire of the player to be fecilated against his favorite person and who ever could be a better person than Ms Dhoni who has been the starwalt of the game conquering ICC main trophies and a huge role in the development of IPL and its niche. Dhoni was the first ever captain to win the ICC T20 world cup from where his legacy started as captain and endured many of them. 

Read more : Ajinkya Rahane To Create History By Leading KKR

Dhoni Gave A Better Suprise Than He Thought

AAshwin wish was Dhoni to be in his 100th match against England which didn't been fulfilled. Then BCCI inaugrated an special event for his valuable milestone where he was handed a memento for that, he wished that he should get the memento with the hands of Ms Dhoni but these two wishes remained unfullfilled which desimated him. 

"I called Dhoni for my 100th Test. I invited him to hand over memento in Dharamshala. I wanted to make that my last Test, but he couldn’t make it. What I didn’t expect was that he would give me an even better gift — bringing me back to CSK.” - Ash anna 💛 pic.twitter.com/25f8q7mkMY

— 𝑻𝑯𝑨𝑳𝑨 (@Vidyadhar_R) March 16, 2025

But I got a more bigger suprise than I wished for which happened in the auction table where Chennai Super Kings went all out for their local boy.He thanked Ms Dhoni for the biggest gift and stating life has came to full circle for him where he started his career as a young man and ending from where it all started for him. 

Ahead of the final, Ashwin fired back at derogatory comments directed at Indian players, calling them unfair and demoralizing. The experienced off-spinner argued that such criticisms had the ability to bring down the team spirit, while he urged the fans to stand by the team than to judge their performances.

“It’s unfortunate that some people choose to throw mud on our players at such a critical juncture. These are the same players who have given their all for the country. Instead of backing them, unnecessary negativity is being spread,” Ashwin reportedly said in a video response.

India's march to the Chapions Trophy Final 2025 has, of course, been a commendable one. There was not a moment of dullness in both round-robin and knockout stages. Once again, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah have made themselves known as worthy players on a platform like this. The final against the New Zealand side is expected to be a high-paced battle between both sides, as they have had a history of close encounter matches in ICC tournaments.

New Zealand has won the hearts of many cricket fans with their fighting spirit and strategic football style; under the captaincy of Williamson, there are going to be no easy match for India. But Ashwin is confident that Team India will perform excellently under the pressure of the final.

"To throw mud on our players...": R Ashwin furious ahead of India vs New Zealand CT 2025 final. Reason is serious#Ashwin #ChampionsTrophy2025 https://t.co/RVmn7JeZoW

— CricketNDTV (@CricketNDTV) March 8, 2025

Also Read: From Pakistan to IPL: Mohammad Amir Wants to Play in IPL 2026

Reacting to Ashwin's comments, Indian cricket supporters took to social media to back the team while requesting critics to tone down their negative remarks. The hashtags #Ashwin #ChampionsTrophy2025 are trending indicating the unflinching faithreams harbored by the fans that the team will work to bring the trophy home. 

As India prepares for the Champions Trophy 2025 final, all eyes will be on the players as they seek glory. Will Ashwin and his ally be able to quieten their critics with a historic victory? Only time will tell.  

The fifth day of the 3rd Test between India and Australia began with Akash Deep and Jasprit Bumrah resuming India’s innings from where they had left off the previous day. The pair added a few crucial runs in the early morning before Akash Deep was stumped by Alex Carey off Travis Head’s bowling. With that dismissal, India was bowled out for 260, avoiding the follow-on but trailing by 186 runs.

First Session: Rain Halts Play

Australia started their second innings aiming to extend their lead quickly, but heavy rain soon arrived, disrupting the game. The first session saw minimal play as the rain and wet outfield delayed proceedings. By lunch, India was still trailing, and the weather looked ominous.

Second Session: Australia Goes for Quick Runs

When play resumed after lunch, Australia adopted an aggressive approach. They scored 89 runs in just 18 overs, despite losing seven wickets in the process. The intent was clear — they wanted to build a commanding lead before declaring. Eventually, Australia set a target of 275 for India, declaring their innings to force a result in the match.

See Also: https://www.cricketwinner.com/cricket-news/brisbane-test-day-5-rain-plays-ultimate-spoilsport-in-unexpected-possible-thriller/

Final Session: Rain and Bad Light End Hopes

India came out to bat with 275 to chase but managed only 2.1 overs, scoring 8 runs without losing a wicket. Just as Mitchell Starc began his spell, dark clouds loomed over the ground, and bad light forced the umpires to stop play. Tea was taken early, and shortly after, the rain returned, washing out the remainder of the day. With the official overs running out and no improvement in weather conditions, the match was declared a draw after discussions between the captains and umpires.

The Impact of Rain and Interruptions

This match saw numerous interruptions, with Day 4 alone witnessing six stoppages. Rain and bad light across the five days frustrated players and fans, disrupting the game’s rhythm. Without these delays, the contest could have been far more thrilling, with both teams having chances to push for a result.

With the series tied at 1–1, the focus now shifts to the next two matches, where India and Australia will fight to take the upper hand in this fiercely contested Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

From the highs of India's glorious Test win in Perth, the 10-time BGT title champs came crashing down in Adelaide where they were folded in less than two and half days on the back of a thumping 10-wicket defeat. Former Indian Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara commented on India's recent defeat in Adelaide and highlighted key changes that India must make ahead of their crucial third Test.

Pujara offers two possible solutions to India that can help them stay alive in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy (2024-25) series.  First, the 36-year-old stressed that an underperforming Ravi Ashwin must make way for Washington Sundar who had a sizeable impact in the first Test. And second, he insisted the Indian think tank to retain Harshit Rana for the third Test despite his hot-and-cold show in Adelaide. 

See also: WTC qualification scenarios for top four teams teams

So what's on Pujara's mind?

During his conversation with Star Sports, Pujara presents a visual depiction of what India's potential playing eleven may look like at the start of the third Test. He feels only one change may be necessary and R Ashwin can miss out due to his poor show with the bat in Adelaide. But at the same time, he expresses his support for Rana who failed to deliver an all-round impact with the bat and the ball.

“I feel only one change might happen. Since the batting wasn't good, Washington Sundar can come in place of R Ashwin. Should someone come in place of Harshit Rana? In my opinion, no. You backed him and he performed well in the first match.”

The suggestion to pick Sundar over Ashwin seems justified as Ashwin failed to help himself with the bat when his team needed him and only managed to pick up a sole wicket. Whereas on the contrary, Sundar is comparatively a more astute all-rounder and can come in more than handy with the bat in fairly tricky conditions. He showcased his class with the bat and the ball chipping in with a handy 29 in the second innings and picking 2-48 with the ball to hand India one of their biggest Test wins against Australia.

Rana showed a lot of promise with the ball in the first Test and picked up three crucial wickets in the first innings but failed to live up to the expectations when all eyes turned to the pink-ball Test. He proved to be very erratic with his control and leaked a significant chunk of runs while going completely wicketless.

Moreover, Pujara feels that removing a player after one ordinary performance can lead to a negative impact on a player's physiological health. 

As it stands

India's horror show with the bat has led to the undoing in the second Test. In both innings, team India failed to go past the 200-run mark. Moreover, the form of batting stalwarts such as Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli has also been a cause for concern. Apart from their brilliant fightback in Perth which saw them post 487 for the loss of six wickets, India's batting has lacked the edge and the resilience for which it had been so famously renowned for. 

With the series level at 1-1, India needs a win in Brisbane to keep their WTC aspirations alive. At present, the management is currently confronted with challenging choices concerning the selection of the playing eleven.

The Indian management has made a baffling move ahead of the Perth Test by dropping R Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja from the playing eleven. Previous media reports hinted that both Ashwin and Jadeja were all but certain to feature in the first Test of the BGT series. But those assumptions have now been put to rest once and for all when the management decided to instead go with Washington Sundar who will play the role of a spin-bowling all-rounder. 

Pace has been a go-to mantra for India ahead of the Test series. The think tank is very much aware of what the Perth deck has to offer and has sorted out their team combinations accordingly. As fate would have it, India have been gone with two specialist seamers in the form of Bumrah and Siraj while seam-bowling all-rounders Harshit Rana and Nitish Reddy earned their debut caps for India in the longest format.

So why did Ashwin and Jadeja miss out on the first Test?

Experts believe that the move to drop Ashwin and Jadeja was certainly justified. On a pacy and bounce-friendly Perth pitch, going with an all-out pace attack seemed like a sensible approach. Moreover, with only a few left-handers in the Australian lineup, the decision to play Jadeja would have turned futile. It all boiled down to either Ashwin or Sundar and the management was faced with making a tough call. Sundar, being more capable with the bat as opposed to Ashwin got the green signal from the Indian think tank.

Sundar has previously toured Australia in the 202-21 BGT Test series where he starred both with the bat and the ball finishing the series on a high with gutsy contributions to his name. He averaged 42 with the bat with a best score of 62 and ended up taking four wickets at an average of just over 40. 

India to bat first in the Perth Test 

India's stand-in captain Jasprit Bumrah won the toss earlier in the day and chose to bat first. His expected to lead the side in the absense of Rohit Sharma who is likely to join the squad in the middle of the Test match. At the time of writing, India had lost their top three thanks to some immaculate bowling from Australian quicks. Kl Rahul is currently battling it out with his side reduced to 40-3 after 20 overs.

See also: What to expect from Perth pitch? Explained

R. Ashwin & Virat Kohli's Recent Partnership: A Defining Moment

India’s cricket rivalry with Bangladesh has seen numerous nail-biting encounters. Among these battles, the recent partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli during the India vs Bangladesh 2023 ODI World Cup clash stands out as a crucial moment in Indian cricket. Their partnership was a blend of calmness, technique, and responsibility as they steered India from a precarious position to victory, once again highlighting their experience and ability to perform under pressure.

The Match Context

In a high-stakes World Cup game, India was chasing a modest total set by Bangladesh. The pressure was high, and early wickets meant India had to stabilize their innings. With the team at 140-4, Ashwin joined Kohli at the crease, forming an unexpected yet vital partnership. Their calm and calculative approach helped India rebuild the innings.

Virat Kohli, known for his finishing ability, anchored the innings while Ashwin, not traditionally known for his batting prowess in ODIs, played his part with grit and determination. Together, they not only rescued India from a tricky position but also guided the team towards a comfortable win.

The Significance of the Partnership

Their partnership was a testimony to the depth of India's batting lineup and the versatility of its players. Kohli, often regarded as one of the best chasers in cricket history, paired up with Ashwin, who has predominantly been a bowler but has always had the potential to contribute with the bat.

Kohli’s composed approach, coupled with Ashwin’s intelligent shot selection, allowed India to rotate strike effectively, ensuring that Bangladesh was never able to build pressure. This partnership further cemented Ashwin’s utility as an all-rounder and Kohli’s unmatched ability to deliver in crucial situations.

Past Partnerships: Kohli & Ashwin’s Impact on the Field

2016 Test Match: India vs Bangladesh

The Ashwin-Kohli duo has had a history of delivering when it matters. One of their notable partnerships was during the 2016 Test series against Bangladesh. Kohli and Ashwin shared a valuable stand that helped India post a commanding total, with Kohli playing a marathon knock and Ashwin providing stability lower down the order. This partnership laid the foundation for India’s eventual victory in the match, showcasing their ability to complement each other’s skills in the longer format as well.

ICC Tournaments: Kohli and Ashwin's Contributions

In ICC tournaments, their combined efforts have often tilted the balance in India’s favor. Kohli, with his aggressive batting and strategic mindset, and Ashwin, with his clever bowling and useful contributions with the bat, have proven to be match-winners for India. Their chemistry on the field is evident not just in partnerships but also in their understanding of game situations, which allows them to perform well under pressure.

Lessons from the Recent Heroics

Kohli's Calmness Under Pressure

One of the key takeaways from the recent India vs Bangladesh match was Virat Kohli’s ability to handle pressure. His experience in chasing totals and building partnerships allowed him to play the anchor role to perfection. Kohli’s 100 not out was a reminder of why he is considered one of the best finishers in world cricket.

Ashwin’s Role as a Versatile Player

Ashwin’s contribution to this partnership went beyond just the runs he scored. His presence at the crease allowed Kohli to play freely and take the match deep, where India’s chances of winning increased. Ashwin’s adaptability and presence of mind underlined his value as a versatile player capable of contributing in all formats of the game.

Conclusion: A Partnership to Remember

The partnership between Ravichandran Ashwin and Virat Kohli in the India vs Bangladesh World Cup match will go down in history as one of the most significant moments in India’s 2023 campaign. It was a perfect example of how experience, skill, and temperament can turn the tide in high-pressure situations. While Kohli played the hero's role with his century, Ashwin's invaluable support ensured India walked away with a crucial victory.

This partnership not only highlighted the individual brilliance of both players but also showcased the importance of teamwork and understanding in the game of cricket. Whether it’s in the longer format or in high-pressure ODI chases, Ashwin and Kohli have shown that they can be relied upon to deliver when it matters most.

In the ever-evolving landscape of cricket, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has often been at the forefront of introducing innovative rules to spice up the game. One such rule that has garnered both praise and criticism is the Impact Player rule. Introduced to add excitement and unpredictability to the IPL matches, this rule has sparked a debate among players and coaches regarding its effectiveness and implications.

What is the Impact Player Rule?

The Impact Player rule, implemented in the IPL, allows teams to designate a player as an ‘Impact Player’ during the match. This player can earn additional points for the team based on their performance, influencing the game’s outcome significantly.

See Also: GT vs KKR: Match abandoned as KKR cement their place at top two

Ravi Shastri’s Endorsement

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has emerged as a staunch supporter of the Impact Player rule. Shastri expressed his approval in a conversation with R Ashwin on his YouTube channel, citing its contribution to thrilling finishes in IPL matches. He emphasized the need to adapt to changing times and welcomed the rule to enhance the league’s competitiveness.

“The Impact Player [rule] is good. You have to evolve with the times. You know, it happens in other sports as well. It’s got tighter finishes. You have to evolve with the times and I think it’s a good rule. You saw the number of tight finishes we had in last year’s IPL. So, you know, it has made a big difference,” Shastri told R Ashwin on his Youtube channel.

Rohit Sharma’s Concerns

Contrary to Shastri’s viewpoint, India captain Rohit Sharma has voiced concerns regarding the Impact Player rule. Sharma believes that the rule might hinder the development of all-rounders in the league, potentially affecting the balance of the teams. His apprehensions raise questions about the rule’s long-term implications for player strategies and team dynamics.

Ashwin’s Case Study: Dhruv Jurel

In defense of the Impact Player rule, R Ashwin highlighted the case of Dhruv Jurel, who rose from being designated as an Impact Player in IPL 2023 to making his Test debut for India within a year. Jurel’s journey serves as a testament to the opportunities created by the rule for budding talents to showcase their skills on a larger stage and earn recognition.

“You know when any new rule comes in, there will be…people will try and justify why that’s not right,” Shastri said. “But in time when you see the scores – 200 and 190 – and then like you mentioned individuals grabbing that opportunity and making the most of it, people will start re-looking at how they think about it.”

Tighter Finishes and Enhanced Excitement

One of the immediate outcomes of the Impact Player rule has been the emergence of tighter finishes in IPL matches. The additional points at stake for the Impact Player have injected a sense of urgency and excitement, leading to nail-biting conclusions to games. This unpredictability aspect adds to the league’s entertainment value, attracting a broader audience.

As the Indian Premier League (IPL) season unfolds, Rajasthan Royals find themselves embarking on their first away fixture against Mumbai Indians at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. With two wins under their belt, the Royals are riding high on confidence as they aim to maintain their winning momentum. Meanwhile, the clash holds immense significance for the five-time champions, Mumbai Indians, who are yet to secure a victory in the ongoing season.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s Milestone

Amidst the anticipation surrounding the match, veteran spinner Ravichandran Ashwin is poised to achieve a significant milestone in his IPL career. Today against Mumbai Indians, Ashwin joins an elite group of players by featuring in his 200th IPL match. This remarkable feat underscores Ashwin’s longevity and contribution to the league over the years.

See Also: Watch : Rohit fans ready to welcome Hardik Panyda and team at Wankhede

Ashwin’s IPL Career

Having made his IPL debut in 2009 for Chennai Super Kings, Ashwin has since carved a distinguished career marked by consistent performances with both bat and ball. With 743 runs and 172 wickets to his name, Ashwin’s presence has been pivotal for the teams he has represented, including Delhi Capitals, Punjab Kings, and Rising Pune Supergiant, before joining Rajasthan Royals.

Comparison with Other IPL Players

Ashwin’s impending milestone places him in esteemed company alongside other IPL stalwarts who have reached the 200-match mark. Notable players such as MS Dhoni (253), Rohit Sharma(246), and Virat Kohli (240) have amassed significant appearances in the league, underscoring the IPL’s status as one of the premier cricketing events worldwide. Interestingly, despite the league’s international appeal, no foreign player has yet achieved the milestone of 200 IPL matches.

Players to play most matches in IPL

Rajasthan Royals’ Away Fixture

For Rajasthan Royals, the match against Mumbai Indians presents an opportunity to assert their dominance away from home. Having clinched victories in their opening matches, the Royals will be eager to carry forward their winning streak and consolidate their position in the IPL standings. The encounter promises to be a thrilling spectacle as both teams vie for supremacy on the field.